Jeff Dugan

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Minnesota Vikings
currentnumber=83
currentpositionplain=Tight end/Fullback
birthdate=birth date and age|1981|4|8
birthplace=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
heightft=6
heightin=4
weight=258
debutyear=2004
debutteam=Minnesota Vikings
college=Maryland
draftyear=2004
draftround=7
draftpick=220
pastteams=
* Minnesota Vikings (2004-present)
nfl=DUG092572

Jeff Dugan (born April 8, 1981 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is a National Football League tight end/fullback for the Minnesota Vikings.

Jeff Dugan attended Central Catholic High School, where NFL greats such as Dan Marino and Marc Bulger attended.

College career

Jeff attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and finished his career with 55 receptions for 649 yards (11.8 yards per rec. avg.), and three touchdowns. As a true freshman, he was named the team's freshman of the year and was a Freshman All-American third team selection by the Sports Page. After the first game of the year, he took over the starting job. He was second on the team in receptions, with 25. In his sophomore year, he started 10 games and was used primarily as a blocker, but had 7 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. In his junior year, he started every game and caught 9 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown and was named ACC honorable mention. In his senior year in 2003, he caught 14 passes for 175 yards and was named to the All-ACC second team.

NFL Career

Jeff Dugan became only one of two Maryland Terrapins ever drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.In 2004, Dugan's rookie season, he played in 14 of 16 regular season games, made two starts, and played in two playoff games. Dugan played in the third most games, for Viking rookies that season. Jeff had a career high three tackles on special teams in a game against Green Bay on November 14th, notched a special teams tackle versus Detroit, and made his first career start on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 20th. Jeff's 2005 season consisted of only one game against the Atlanta Falcons on October 2nd. He was then listed as inactive for 15 regular season games. Dugan made his first career playoff start versus Green Bay, on January 9, 2005.

In 2006, Jeff made his transition from tight end to full back, when Tony Richardson had a season ending injury. Dugan handled the transition admirably, and assisted Chester Taylor, as he ran for 1,214 yards, which became the fourth highest in Vikings history. Dugan also helped a pair of running backs rush for 100+ yards in the final seven games of the season. Jeff contributed on special teams as well.

Dugan has proven himself to be very beneficial for the Vikings. Along with his receiving skills, Jeff also has the ability to line up in the back field as a full back. He was a key contributor to Chester Taylor's success last season with his blocking skills, and can also play on special teams. Dugan is a very good teammate, and will play any position he is needed in. Dugan proved this true, with his transition from tight end to full back. Dugan was a part of a very impressive draft class in 2004, which saw 6 of 8 players make a start in their rookie season.

In 2007, Jeff has played in all four games. He had 2 receptions for 24 yards, with the longest going for 13 yards versus Green Bay. Dugan also had one rushing attempt for 3 yards in his game against the Packers.